So you are almost ready to go, and the rucksack is full to bursting with all those come in handy travel accessories.
But, if you had to be mean and remove everything bar the minimum amount of clothing necessary (which would be a whole new topic in its own right) and your passport, small washkit, and first aid kit - what 3 items could you NOT bear to leave at home or travel without? And why?
A special photo? A penknife? Wooly knitted monkey? Camera? A certain food - a taste of something familiar if you are ever at a low ebb?
No matter how ridiculous or quirky they may be perceived to be by others, what are your top 3? After all, some may scoff, but then maybe they are missing out on something! Enlighten us!

www.ubertramp.com

flashlight
earplugs
watch

Cash
My pink crocodile Manolos with the 1 1/2 inch heel.
My black pashmina that doubles as a blanket.

dental floss, chapstick and a book

My ipod - it's how I sleep on the plane.

My wallet with all my photos - they're part of me.

cash too

Hunting knife, bandana, video camera. Oh wait, that was Survivorman. Never mind.

Books, Lip Balm, Power Bar or similar.

Camera gear (I'm counting it all as one item )

iPod & headphones

Plastic travel envelope w/travel diary

Lipstick
Moisturizer
My tiny, stuffed Hippo. He's been everywhere with me.

Honestly? There is not a single "unnecessary" thing that I couldn't live without. (I consider lipstick a necessity. )

I would argue that a camera is not really an <i>unnecessary</i> item!

Oops. You all are correct. I gave 3 *necessary* items. I don't take anything that is 'unnecesary'.

Cologne
Magazine or book
Paper bootie things for security when you have to remove your shoes.

I was considering the camera as &quot;unnecessary&quot; but the lenses, filters, tripod, memory cards, PSD, etc. as &quot;necessary&quot; by default if you take the camera (what good is the camera if you don't have the rest?)

Umm …if I take the dog… that leaves….?

…kidding!

Oh! NOT leave home without...

My Bad!

ya, i know, i'm still trying to figure out even one thing that i pack that is not necessary. i mean isn't that the whole idea of packing light. that you only take what you need?

I usually don't even take a first aid kit... (Unless you count band aids and NuSkin as a first aid kit- those we need, the Nuskin for me to prevent blisters, and the band aids for my husband after he has blisters!)

But Burt's Bees lip balm is rarely beyond arm's length for me at any moment.

:-?

makeup
tweezers
books (includes mags, cryptics, sudokus)